Women runners look strong heading into first meet

The Rockhurst women's cross country team opens their 2024 season Saturday morning in J.K. Gold Classic in Wichita, Kansas with 21 runners on the roster. Thirteen of those runners are freshmen and sophomores.

Freshman Keira Naidoo has emerged as the team's top runner. She ran an 18:35 5K in high school in Arizona. The leading returners are junior Jillian Vaughn, senior Cara Super, sophomore Molly McClung and senior Mary O'Connor. Freshman Laney Parmeley also ran strong in the two-mile time trial.

The Hawks finished 10th in the Great Lakes Valley Conference preseason coaches' poll. The women came in 10th place at last year's GLVC Championships in Bolivar, Missouri. This year's GLVC race will be held in Springfield, Illinois on Oct. 26.

"I think we will be better than 10th in the conference. Our returning runners have improved and our newcomers are in great shape. This could be one of our best teams," said head coach Kathy Strecker.

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Players Mentioned

Molly McClung: 5' 4"; Sophomore

Mary O'Connor: 5' 5"; Senior

Cara Super: 5' 8"; Senior

Jillian Vaughn: 5' 5"; Senior

Keira Naidoo: 5' 3"; Freshman

Laney Parmeley: 5' 5"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Molly McClung
: 5' 4"; Sophomore

Mary O'Connor
: 5' 5"; Senior

Cara Super
: 5' 8"; Senior

Jillian Vaughn
: 5' 5"; Senior

Keira Naidoo
: 5' 3"; Freshman

Laney Parmeley
: 5' 5"; Freshman